Aircraft float light or smoke bomb



/h Van for H. J. NICHOLS AIRCRAFT FLOAT LIGHI OR SMOKE BOMB Filed Oct.

M a M N /5 m A Patented Mar. 24, 1936 4 UNITED STATES Y PATENT OFFICE 16 Claims.

(Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as amended April 30, 1928; 3'70 0. G.. 757) My prwent invention relates to improvements in aircraft float lights or smoke bombs which are adapted to be dropped from air craft for any of the various purposes for which such devices may 5 be or are usually employed. v

The objects of the present invention are to pro- Y vide a light or bomb of simple and inexpensive construction that will withstand dropping from high altitudes without impairment, which will float on the surface of water, and which after being dropped may be relied upon to produce for a substantial interval an illumination orv signal light, a smoke screen or a toxic vapor or gas according to the ingredients contained there- 15 in, independent of the surface conditions of the water.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawing. In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a longitudinal, axial, 2o sectional View of a device embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged similar view of the upper portion'of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged central, axial, sectional 25 view of the starter cup and its contents.

In the drawing, in which like characters of reference indicate the same parts, I0 denotes the body porton of the float light or bomb which is preferably made of light wood of a size to ob- 30 tain the desired buoyancy and having a longitudinal bore comprising portions H and Haof diflerentdiameters, extending completely therethrough, I la being the larger.

The upper or rear end of body It is provided 35 with a shallow recess l3 forming a shoulder M at the outer end of opening A cup I5 is disposed in recess l3 with its edge upon shoulder l4. Cup I5 has one or more openings It in the base thereof, which opening or openings are adapted 40 to be covered by a member I! formed of adhesive tape or other material adapted to be released in partor in whole by pressure within the bore II. The cup I5 is secured in position by a sealing medium l8, which may be paramn or like mate- 45 rial, poured into recess l3 .and congealed therein in contact with the wall of recess l3 and the ex- 1 terior surface of the cup I5, as shown in Fig. 2.

grips the tube 2| and maintains the same in position with the tube extending substantially below as well as above the bottom of cup 2|]. With- 36 in tube 2| is a doubled quick match fuse 22 whose looped upper end projects above the tube 2| into the cup 20, which cup is filled with a slow burning powder that generates but little gas while combusting. The top of cup 20 is provided with a cover 23 fitted into its top and provided with one or more openings 24 therethrough which are covered by a. member 25 preferably formed of a disk of adhesive tape or other suitable material that adheres to the top of cover 23.

The outer diameter of cup 20 substantially conforms to the diameter of opening Ila in body I0 and cup 20 is adapted to. be inserted into the lower end of opening Ha in body ID with its upper portion resting against the shoulder l2 inboldy I0 with element 25 lying within opening One or more pellets 30, of slow burning illuminating material, dense smoke producing material or toxic vapor producing material, as may be desired, of substantially the diameter of opening Na and having central vertical opening 3| extending therethrough are adapted to be inserted into opening Ila with opening 3| in the upper pellet 30 receiving the tube 2| and its extended quick match fuse 22 that has a burning time sufficient to permit the bomb to become stabilized on the water beforeigniting the charge of the bomb. The lower or forward end of opening Ila is closed by a wood disk 33 having vertical opening 34 therethrough in substantial alignment with tube 2| and openings 3|. Wood disk 33 may be secured in place by one or more nails 35 driven through the adjacent portion of body In and into said disk 33, as shown in Fig. 1.

' The lower or forward end of body ID is rabbeted at 33 adapted to receive the wall 31 of fuse stock 33. Wall 31 is provided with a pluralityof openings through which are passed nails or screws 39 extending into the wood body H] for securing the fuse stock 38 to the forward or lower end of body In, the wall 31 extending over and preventing the dislodgment of the nails or other securing devices 35.

Fuse stock 38 is provided with a central longitudinal opening of two diameters, the smaller diameter being adapted to receive a tube 40 wherein are mounted a fuse 6| including a primer adapted to be detonated by being struck by firing 3 pin 62 when the pin is driven inwardly by water forced by impact through opening 63 against piston 64 thatis slidable in member 40. A spring 65 normally holds firing pin 62 away from, the primer. A sealing disk 4 adapted to be ruptured by impact of the device upon water, closes opening 63 in plug 42. This firing mechanism forms the subject matter of my copending application for Water-rimpact fuses, Serial No. 639,126, filed October 22, 1932.

The upper or rear end of body I0 is preferably provided with a tapered surface 43. On this tapered surface 43 are mounted a plurality of fins 44 each having a flange 45 through which securing devices 46 are passed to secure the same to the body, Ill. The rear end of body I0 is so thin 10 as to render impracticable the securement of the upper or rear end of fins 44 by the means heretofore described for the securement of the lower or forward ends thereof. To obviate this difliculty, I have devised a securement for the rear ends of fins 44 by forming a hole 50 through each fin 44 near its upper inner corner and passing a wire 5! through all of the holes 50 and around the upper or rear end of body It.

The parts are normally in the position shown in Fig. 1 and remain in such position until the hereafter stated changes occur therein.

When the subject device is launched from th aircraft, it is maintained in a vertical position at least in the latter portion of its flight by the stabilizing fins; 44 as wellas by the fact that its center of gravity is well toward its forward or downward end in the position shown in Fig. l. The impact fuse is in no way acted upon during the release or the flight through the air, but only produces the detonation of its fuse pellet upon impact wtih waterwhen and if the fuse stock 38 is provided with a fuse, as shown. However, any

1 other type of fuse may be provided inthe fuse.

stock 38 which will produce detonation or deflagration at a different time or in' a different manner.

Upon detonation of the fuse pellet within the fuse unit, the products of such detonation are passed upwardly through tube and opening 3| where the quick match fuse 22 is ignited which, at its upward or bent end, ignites the starter charge content of cup 20 whose heat pressure may partially release the sealing disks 25 and H. The burning of the starter charge within the cup 20 melts through the thin zinc cup 20 and ignites the top end of the upper pellet 30, if it be a floating light or smoke bomb, or starts the release of the toxic gas content of 30 if the saine be a toxic bomb. The resulting products of the pellets 30 rise through opening ll. The aforesaid combustion melts or consumes the cover 23, which affords a greater pressure and volume of suppl of the products of 30 to opening II, which greater pressure may blow out the cup i5 from the mouthof open-1 ing ll, thus permitting free egress of the flam smoke or toxic materialfrom opening ll. Where the pellets 30 are formed of pyrotechnic composition, such composition may be such as is disclosed in .my Letters Patent No. 1,419,295.

By reason of the buoyancy of the body III and its very low center of gravity, the device will float upon the surface of the water and be maintained in a vertical position thereon, to which position it is immediately returned if displaced therefrom.

The temporary closure by the seals i1 and '25 initially keeps water'from entering opening II from the top and the stock 38 and its'joint with the body I0 is water-tight'and prevents the entry of water from the lower end of. the device.

The initial combustion produces but a rela tively slight pressure in opening ll,- flrst by the heating of the air content thereof, which heat beyond a certaindegree tends to weaken the gripof the adhesive seals l1 and 25. The pressure in opening i I is further augmented gradually by the combustion of the content of cup 20 and then rapidly by the burning of units 30. When the initial pressure on seals 25 and i1 becomes suiflcient, the seal 25 is partially released and later the seal I1 is partially released. Prior to and during such partial release there is no opportunity for water to enter through either of. such seals, first because of their sealed condition and second, in their partially unsealed condition the escaping gas prevents the ingress of water. When the reaction of the pellets 30 has proceeded for a short time, the sealing members 25 and I1 and disk l5 are blown out and the volume and force of the gases escaping through opening H are such as to preclude the entrance of water into the interior of the body l0.

It will be apparent that my invention produces a very simple, inexpensive, eflicient and dependablev device for the performance of the stated functions under normal as well as abnormalconditions, and which will be unimpaired in the performance of its functions by the shock of impact, or otherwise.

It will be understood that the above description and accompanying drawing comprehend only the general and preferred embodiment of .my invention, and that various changes in construction, proportion and arrangement of parts may be made within the scope of the appended claims without sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention.

The herein described invention may be manufactured or used by or for the Government of the United States for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty thereon.

What I claim is: v

1. In a bomb, the combination of a normally water-tight buoyant body having a cavity therein provided with an outlet passing through a portion of said body, said cavity being adaptedto contain a charge, a fuse carried by said body and adapted to initiate the reaction of such charge upon impact with water, a member adapted to cover said outlet and provided with an opening ther'ethrough. a cover for said opening releasable by heat, means for removably securing said cover in its covering position, and means susceptible to softening by heat for removably securing said member over said outlet.

-2. In a bomb, the,combination of a normally water-tight buoyant body having a cavity therein provided with an outlet passing through a portion of said body, said cavity being adapted to contain a charge, a fuse carried by said body and adapted to initiate the reaction of such charge, a. member adapted to be inserted into and close the mouth of said outlet, and means releasable by the heat of reaction of said charge for securing said member in said mouth. v

3. In a bomb, the combination of a body having' a cavity therein provided with an outlet and adapted to contain a-charge, a fuse carried by said body and adapted to initiate the reaction of such charge, a member adapted to be inserted into and close the mouth of said outlet and having an opening tlierethrou'gh, means for securing said v member in said mouth, releasable by the reaction of said charge, means for covering said opening through said member, and means for securing said larger diametered opening being adapted to con:-

accuse i 3 taina charge provided with an independent communication path therethrough, a fuse atthe fordiametered portionsof said opening through said body, adapted to be disintegrated by the combustion means, and removable'means for closing. said aperture through said disk and adapted to be released prior to the disintegration of said disk.

.5. Ina bomb, the combination of a body having an openingiextending longitudinally therethrough whereof the forward portion is of largerdiameter than therear'portion, separate means for closing said opening at an intermediate point and at each and, each of said closure means having an aperture therethrough, and releasable means for-nor.-

mally closing said aperture at the rear end and at said intermediate point. 1

6. In a bomb, thecombination of a body having an opening extending longitudinally therethrough whose forward portion is of larger diameter than the rear portion, a plug having a hole therethrough secured in the forward endof said opening, disks each having an aperture therethrough normally closing said opening at its rear end" and .at the juncture of its different diametera'an'd releasable means for normally'closing said aperturea.

.7. In a bomb; a combustion receptacle having a body and a closure formed of material adapted to be disintegrated by thecombustion of its content, saidbody and closure each having an aper-- turetherethrough, a tube of larger diameter than the aperture in said body forced therethrough,

and a cover for the aperture of said closure adapted to be released prior .to the time said closure may be disintegrated.

8.1a a bomb, the combination of a body portion of wood having an opening therethroughof larger diameter at its'forward portion, a disk of wood having a hole therethrough and adapted to be secured in the forward end of said opening, and a nose piece secured to said body and enclosing said disk and its securement.

9. In an illumination, smoke screen or toxic bomb, the combination of a body portion of wood having an opening in its top and its exterior tapering downwardly and outwardly from its top, a plurality of fins each havin a flange. onits inner edge adapted to contact with said tapering surface, means for securing the lower inner portion ofeachilnto saidbody, and awire'extending through the upper inner portion ofeach 3n and.

around the adjacent body portion.

10. In a bomb, the'eombinationof-a normally water-tight buoyant body having a cavity, therein providedwith an outlet andadapted to contain a charge, the center of gravityto said" body being'nearer the endthereof oppositesaid outlet than to the outlet, a fuse carried-by said bodya'ndadaptedtoinitiate thereactionofsuch charge, a member adapted to cover said outlet and provided with anjopeningftherethrough. a

coverfor said opening, means for removably fsecuring said cover in its covering position and meansformed of material different from that. of

said body for removably securing said" member over said outlet, said last mentioned means be- H wholiyunobstructcd.

ing susceptible of softening by heat.

- li.lnabomb,thecombinationofanormally water-tight buoyant-body having a cavity.

therein provided with an outlet and adapted to .contain a charge, a fuse carried by said body and I adapted to initiate the, reaction of such charge, ,a member insertable into said outlet'to close the mouth thereof and means other than the material 5 fusecarried'by said body and adapted upon im* pact with water to initiate the ignition of said combustible charge, heat-releasable closing means. for said outlet provided with venting means, and .pressure releasable sealing means for said venting means.

13. A bomb adapted for functioning while submerged or floating in water including a buoyant normally water-tight body having an axial cavity therein provided with a normally closed outlet 'and adapted to contain a combustible charg a-fuse carried by said body and adapted to initiate the ignition of said combustible charge, im-

pact actuated means to ignite said fuse, and closure means for said 'outlet" adapted to be weakened and partially opened by heat and subsequently entirely removed by pressure to gradually open said outlet to permit egress of gases from said combustible charge without permitting ingressof surrounding water and ultimately leave said outlet wholly unobstructed. 14. In a bomb of theclass described,'the combination of a body having an aide! cavity therein provided with a .normally sealed outlet and adapted to "contain a combustible charge. a fuse;

in said cavity combustible means, and means 40' adapted to be weakened by heat and subsequently entirely removed by pressure to open said outlet-partially'to permit egress of gases from said starter means and to open said outlet completely to permit egress of gases from said combustible charge. a 15. In a bomb adapted to function in water. the combination of a body having a cavity thereinprovided with a normally closed outlet and adapted to contain a combustible charge, a fuse 5 carried by said body and adapted to initiate the I ignition ofsaid combustible charge, sealed con-- tainer' means for said starter means, sealing means for said container. means releasable by heat, and closin'g means for said outlet'adapted to'be weakened by heat and subsequently en- ,tirely removed by pressure to leave said cutlet wholly unobstructed.

16. In a bomb of the class described adapted for functioning in waterpthecombination' of-a buoyantbodyhavinganaxiale extending to; the rear end thereof, a combustible charge within said e, a water operated fuse. Q starter means'positioned in said -in a protective position rearwardly of said charge d in igniting relation thereto, sealing means or said starter means. and sealing means for the rearward outlet of theaforesaid axial e a adaptedtobeweakenedbyheatandsubsequently entirely removed by pressure to leave said outlet l i nsruw J. mesons; 

